Thorns Group sets sail on massive boat show challenge

9 Sep 2005

Thorns Group will be joining the top names of the nautical world this month when it serves as official furniture supplier to the world-famous Southampton Boat Show.

The group is more than doubling the amount of furniture and equipment it supplied to the event last year, with items being used across the show site, at Mayflower Park on Southampton’s Western Esplanade.

Large quantities of new furniture have been purchased specifically for the 10-day event, with Thorns Group’s equipment being used across the VIP hospitality areas, as well as in the exhibitors’ hall and organisers’ offices. Items of furniture will be placed in the main seafood restaurant and in numerous lounges and bar areas.

Individual items to be provided by the group include its Bali range of cane furniture, to be used in sponsors’ areas, plus large quantities of stock such as bar furniture, beech and chrome occasional chairs, aluminium and teak café furniture and teak garden furniture. Thorns Group is also providing the event with items as diverse as kitchen equipment and floral arrangements.

The contract marks another major success for Thorns Group, which is a leading independent supplier of furniture, equipment and expertise to the events, exhibitions and conference sectors. Its previous assignments have included the London International Boat Show and the Sailboat Show.

Adam Aston, Thorns Group’s Exhibitions Account Manager, said: “Thorns Group made a successful debut as official furniture supplier to the Southampton Boat Show in 2004, so we are absolutely thrilled to be back at the event this year, but supplying to an even wider range of areas. We see this as a massive pat on the back for the exhibitions side of our business.”

The Southampton Boat Show, which takes place between September 16 and 25, is one of the world’s largest nautical events. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend during the ten-day period, with trade representatives joined by vast numbers of the public. A wide range of vessels and equipment – including powerboats, sailboats, engines and accessories – will be on display, with new attractions for 2005 that include a waterside property exhibition, a classic boat feature and a children’s ‘Splash Camp’.

Other attractions will include two yachts from the famous America’s Cup, as well as the popular ‘Try-a-Boat’ feature and a concept boat stand.